Spectators and media in the world’s most populous country closely followed an event too often overlooked. Many are hopeful that this will provide future opportunities. Games were also marked by Pistorius, the sprint sensation who forced the International Olympic Committee to acknowledge his rights.

Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Beijing’s Paralympics come to an end tonight with South African Oscar Pistorius crowned as the only athlete in the world to win in the 100m, 200m and 400m track and field competitions. China, too, won great praise for its great job in organising the Paralympics, more so than it did for the August Olympic Games. Despite attempts to bridge the gap between the two events, they still remain apart.

Last night in the Bird’s Nest Pistorius won the 400m before a huge crowd with a time 47.49 seconds, a world record not far from the time required to qualify for competitions against able-bodied athletes. It “is a dream come true . . . the crowd's been so passionate,” Pistorius said. “I’m aiming to do both (the Olympics and Paralympics) in London” in 2012, he added.

The sprinter, who uses a pair of carbon-fibre prosthetics to run, missed out on the able-bodied Olympics because he fell short of the necessary qualifying time, but he did force the International Olympic Committee to acknowledge for the first time the right of a disabled athlete to compete in the Games reserved hitherto for able-bodied athletes. Indeed the South African, who is only 211, can still improve considerably. In addition to his Beijing medals he won Paralympic gold in the 100m and 200m in Athens,.

A two-hour closing ceremony in Beijing’s Olympic Stadium will bring  the 2008 Paralympic Games to a close. It will express “the conviviality, sincerity and friendship suited to the closing ceremony,” said Chen Weiya, assistant director for the opening and closing ceremonies. Famous singers and athletes will be there.

Beijing won more praise for its Paralympics than for the Olympics in August. Everyone was awed by the organisation, efficiency but especially the passion spectators and media showed for the competitions as well as winners and participants alike.

China led the medal count with 87 old medals, more than twice that of runner-up Great Britain (42).

In the past mainland China has been criticised for its poor treatment of disabled people, not well appreciated in a society dominated by the drive for economic success.

This might change, said Lu Zhengming, vice-president of the Beijing Disabled Persons' Federation. “Through the Games,” he explained, “we have seen great improvement in society in terms of better understanding, respect and care about disabled groups.” Hopefully, this will continue.

Some movement might already be underway. Bo Shaoye, from the China Disabled Persons' Federation, said the authorities were now reviewing a demand often made by disabled people to get driving licences for specially designed and equipped vehicles.

Tonight the Olympic flame will be extinguished and the Paralympic flag will be handed over to London Mayor Boris Johnson. It is goodbye Beijing; hello London 2012.

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